diff --git a/target/linux/ramips/image/Makefile b/target/linux/ramips/image/Makefile
index 7c1f7c6c0b..29db341e9b 100644
--- a/target/linux/ramips/image/Makefile
+++ b/target/linux/ramips/image/Makefile
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@
 include $(TOPDIR)/rules.mk
 include $(INCLUDE_DIR)/image.mk
 
+DEVICE_VARS += LOADER_TYPE
 DEVICE_VARS += NETGEAR_BOARD_ID NETGEAR_HW_ID
 DEVICE_VARS += BUFFALO_TAG_PLATFORM BUFFALO_TAG_VERSION BUFFALO_TAG_MINOR
 DEVICE_VARS += SEAMA_SIGNATURE SEAMA_MTDBLOCK